13 Best Roof Racks for Stand Up Paddleboards

As enthusiastic SUP riders, we know that storing your paddleboards can sometimes be a hassle without the right gear. Paddleboards are bulky, awkward, and not exactly easy to transport, especially when our car doesn’t have much space to begin with. That’s where roof racks for stand-up paddle boards come in. They make it easy and secure for us to transport our paddleboards to and from any body of water. However, finding the right roof rack isn’t always the easiest. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to help you navigate the options and choose the best one for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just getting started, having the right roof rack can make all the difference in how you enjoy your SUP adventures. So, buckle up! Let’s dive into some of the best options and find the perfect fit to take your paddleboarding journeys even further.

AVENN HD Roof Rack

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The first option on this list is the AVENN HD Roof Rack, and we’re a huge fan of it. We tested it during one of our last trips and wanted to take our paddleboard with us. All we had to do was attach the rack to the crossbars and it was ready to go. It has a 150-pound capacity and comes with ratchet straps and adjustable straps with S-hooks to securely fasten the kayak.

In addition to that, the epoxy powder coating makes it resistant to corrosion, and the rubberized base offers additional grip. This car rack also came with all of the mounting hardware for our convenience. It’s the perfect way to extend your vehicle’s capacity and transport your paddleboard or other gear.

STANLEY S4000 Universal Soft Roof Rack Pad (UPDATE AFF LINK)

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The STANLEY S4000 Universal Soft Roof Rack Pad worked perfectly for our road trip. The two heavy-duty pads attached easily to our car without scratching the paint, and the foam padding really helped absorb shocks and reduce vibrations. Even in rain and heat, the weatherproof polyester held up well and kept our gear secure. Awesome!

Meanwhile, The 19-foot cambuckle straps were super strong and held everything tight, even during hard stops. We liked how easy it was to adjust the straps and buckles to fit different loads, and the rust-resistant finish gave us confidence it would last. No wonder it’s many people’s go-to roof rack for quick and easy hauls.

DORSAL Sunguard Aero Roof Rack Pads and Straps (UPDATE AFF LINK)

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We also think you should consider purchasing the DORSAL Sunguard Aero Roof Rack Pads and Straps for your road trips. They were just what we needed! Thanks to them, our car was safe and protected with the heavy-duty 15-foot scratch-resistant anodized CAM buckle tie-down strap. Plus, the integrated non-slip top construction pads made sure the cargo stayed secure. Whether you’re transporting surfboards, SUPS, or boats, all are safe and secure the durable tie-downs.

The oversized anodized stainless steel cam was easy for us to handle, regardless of finger size. It also came wrapped to prevent any scratches to our car. With 1″ soft nylon straps rated at 300 lbs and a working load limit of 700 lbs break strength, we can trust that our load stays secure.

LT Sport J-Bar Rack

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The LT Sport J-Bar Rack is built extra tough. From the moment we lifted it out of the box, we could tell it was made with quality materials. Its heavy-duty construction gave us complete peace of mind when strapping down our SUP. With this roof rack for stand-up paddle boards, we could hit the highway with confidence, knowing our gear was secure no matter the bumps or windy roads ahead.

Nobody wants to spend ages fiddling with a roof rack before getting on the water. The beauty of this rack lies in its simplicity. Installation was a breeze, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Loading and unloading the kayak took just minutes, leaving us with more time to enjoy what really mattered: a great day on the water!

Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Rack Padded System

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Best for Multiple SUPs. The Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Rack Padded System makes transporting boards much simpler, especially for a group of surfers like us. This rack was the real deal, as it allowed us to carry up to three SUPs, with or without bags. No more leaving anyone behind or cramming boards awkwardly inside the car. We also appreciated its universal design, as it fit our SUV perfectly. We’re also confident it would fit most vehicles, too. And the best part? There’s no need to install any cross bars.

The soft padding is another win, it helps protect the car’s finish. Plus, no more worrying about metal buckles dinging our boards. This system uses silicone buckle covers, a small touch that makes a big difference. Not satisfied for any reason? No worries! This car rack for SUPs is backed by a 30-day return policy. What more could we ask for?

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WONITAGO Neolife Roof Rack Pads with Single Wrap-Rax Straps

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When we heard about the WONITAGO Neolife Roof Rack Pads with Single Wrap-Rax Straps, we knew we had to check them out. A best-selling roof rack for stand up paddle board on Amazon, they’re many people’s go-to for hauling SUPs. These pads are made with 600D polyester fabric and waterproof EPE foam, which can handle any weather condition, from the bad to the good and everything in between.

Here’s what is awesome: they fit almost any car. The universal design with long, 28-inch pads and 15-foot tie-down straps ensured our board was securely fastened. We also loved the built-in non-slip mat, which protected both our car and gear. The best part? These roof rack pads were a breeze to install and take off. They let us focus on our adventure instead of hassling with complicated parts.

INNO INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Roof Carrier

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We have a feeling the INNO INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Roof Carrier will soon become your go-to solution for storing your SUP. One of the biggest selling points of this roof rack is its incredible versatility. We’ve strapped just about everything imaginable onto this carrier, from SUPs to kayaks, canoes, and more. If you’re into surfing, you’ll be glad to know it easily accommodates longboards, shortboards, and even windsurf boards.

For those with a high-end SUP, protection is a top priority. Thankfully, this carrier came equipped with rubber-coated straps to help prevent damage. The adjustable corner pads were fantastic, keeping our boards snug and secure during testing without leaving a single scratch. And let’s not forget the ratcheting straps: strong, reliable, and super easy to use.

Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack

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Best Quality. Protecting our precious SUPs is paramount, and that’s why we added the Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack to this list. This thing is really, really secure. The heavy-duty straps with steel reinforcement and the easy-to-use locking cam buckles promised to always keep our board put, no matter how bumpy the road got. Plus, we were able to lock the whole rack with a handy push-button system, which was both fast and kept our board safe from sticky fingers.

Another highlight of this rack is its adjustability. The telescoping design fit our board perfectly during testing, no matter how wide it was. Not to mention, the rack is also well-built and padded. With this rack, you don’t have to worry about your board getting scratched or dented. And if you’re a big fan of Thule, you’ll be pleased to know that it works with Thule’s rack systems, round bars, and even many other major factory racks. Click here to learn more about this rack!

“This is a well-designed and secure rack that’s easy to use. It’s a great option for those who want a safe and reliable way to transport their favorite boards.”

WOW Travel

MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads

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If you don’t like the idea of installing a permanent roof rack, you should consider the MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads. No matter what kind of car you drive, these roof racks for paddleboards seem to conform. They worked great on our SUV, but many others have even used them on their sedans with no issue. Their universal fit is truly amazing. With these straps, you don’t have to worry about complicated installations.

Of course, the soft padding and non-slip mat promise that your SUP won’t be going anywhere and won’t get stretched during transport. Also, from what we remember, the wind noise was minimal, and our ride was quiet and enjoyable. When you’re not exploring, you can unstrap the pads, toss them in the included bag, and shove them in the corner. Simple as that!

Leader Accessories J-Bar Rack

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The Leader Accessories J-Bar Rack, one of the top car racks for stand up paddle boards, is nothing short of impressive. Available in a set of four, this rack allowed us to strap both of our SUPs onto the roof and free up so much space inside our car. Finally, it didn’t feel like Tetris anymore. Speaking of which, the racks are tough. They’re made out of steel and have a powder-coated finish, meaning it won’t rust easily.

When we tested it, it was able to hold onto our SUPs amazingly, even though we hit some bumps along the way. We also loved the extra padding on this rack. It was truly relieving to know that our precious SUPs weren’t getting any scratches. What’s more, we also got free tie-down straps, saving us a trip to the store. Considering its convenience and affordable price tag, it’s worth it.

HEYTRIP Universal Roof Rack Pads with Straps

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Best Versatility. As a traveler, we always appreciate products that can make our trips easier and safer. That’s why we loved the HEYTRIP Universal Roof Rack Pads and Straps! The great thing about these pads is that they can work without a roof rack. Based on our experience, we can confidently say they’re super grippy. Plus, they come with these awesome adjustable buckles that cinch everything down tight. But what’s even more fantastic is its universal design, which makes it one of the most versatile choices.

These roof rack pads are also great for securing multiple items, whether it’s a kayak or a couple of SUPs. It didn’t matter what we were hauling as these pads were reliable. Even better, they fold up nicely and are compact. No more bulky roof rack attachments taking up space in your garage. We were totally sold on these spads and we think you’ll be impressed, too.

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WOOWAVE Premium Kayak Roof Rack Pads with Straps

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Best Soft Rack. Despite its name, the WOOWAVE Premium Kayak Roof Rack Pads with Straps can also be used to store your SUP or even a canoe. We had the chance to test them out and they were amazing. They’re crafted from this super durable material and when we used them for the first time, they fit perfectly across the roof of our car. There were no weird gaps or overhangs we had to worry about.

Also, we have to talk about their convenient design. Being lightweight and compact, they didn’t take up precious trunk space when we didn’t use them. However, the real win for me was the installation. Those adjustable straps with the comfy padded buckles were fantastic. They were strong enough to keep our SUPs in place, even on bumpy roads to the beach. What’s more, they’re even waterproof, so you’ll never have to stress about rogue waves anymore. Psst! We’re sure this YouTube review will help you make the right decision!

YAKIMA SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Stand-Up Paddleboard Rack 

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Best Overall. We recently found out about the YAKIMA SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Stand-Up Paddleboard Rack on YAKIMA’s official website, and we were immediately in love. First of all, this rack can effortlessly hold two SUPs or surfboards up to 26 inches wide with an adjustable slider for a secure fit. What’s more, it’s compatible with most YAKIMA crossbars as well as other popular brands.

Those long, awkward SUPS can be a nightmare to house onto the roof. But the SUPDawg’s integrated rollers made rolling a breeze during testing, especially for our wider boards. Plus, the included strap management system kept things tidy and prevented loose straps from flapping in the wind. Of course, your precious paddleboards deserve the best treatment. Luckily, this rack cradles them with soft padding, keeping them safe from scratches.

Our Verdict!

Considering its quality and ease of use, I think the YAKIMA SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Stand-Up Paddleboard Rack is the best overall option. However, choosing the right SUP roof rack can be harder than it seems, especially if you don’t have something specific in mind. Thus, I’ve categorized some of the products above based on the following criteria. So, take a look!

• Best Soft Rack: WOOWAVE Premium Kayak Roof Rack Pads with Straps
• Best Versatility: HEYTRIP Universal Roof Rack Pads with Straps
• Best Quality: Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack
• Best for Multiple SUPs: Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Rack Padded System

How To Choose The Best Roof Racks for Stand Up Paddle Boards?

Speaking from experience, we know how hard it can be to choose the best SUP roof rack. To make sure you don’t regret what you get, make sure to consider the following:

Measure the size of your paddleboard

The size and shape of your paddleboard are key factors in choosing the perfect roof rack. By measuring the length and width of your board, you can make sure you get a rack that provides enough space for safe transport.

Consider your roof

If your car has a curved roof, you can’t just grab any roof rack. Instead, you’ll need to find one that can be securely mounted on the non-flat surface. Additionally, it’s important to measure the available roof space to ensure the rack fits properly, and to check the weight capacity of the rack itself to make sure it can handle the boards you plan to haul.

Check the straps

On top of that, you should make sure the straps are both adjustable and durable. Sturdy straps will bear the weight and tension of your boards, while adjustability allows you to achieve a tight fit that prevents them from moving or bouncing during your drive. This minimizes the risk of damage to your boards and keeps them securely fastened throughout your journey.

Look for extra features

Don’t settle for just a basic SUP roof rack. Many offer features that streamline your paddling adventures. For instance, wind deflectors can be built-in to reduce drag and gas mileage worries on long drives. Even better, some racks come with integrated pads that cradle your board and shield your car’s paint from any bumps or scrapes during loading and unloading.

While we’re at it, make sure to also check out these roof racks for camper shells and roof storage boxes for cars!

Can you put a paddle board on a roof rack?

Yes, you can. It works for both inflatable and hard boards. Make sure you have a roof rack with crossbars and secure the board with straps and padding to prevent damage during transport.

What type of roof rack do I need for a paddle board?

Generally, you can use racks with padded crossbars or cradles. You can also consider adding an eye bolt system to add extra stability. Another reliable option is soft racks. However, you have to be careful when tightening the straps to avoid damaging the board. No matter which type you choose, make sure both the rack and the straps are securely fastened.

How do you transport a SUP on a roof?

It’s easy. You just have to make sure to use heavy-duty straps to secure the board upside down on the rack. Then, tighten them in a criss-cross pattern and add a bungee cord for good measure. Don’t forget to double-check everything’s tight before driving at slower speeds, mindful of bumps. Once you arrive at your paddling spot, unstrap and unwind!